Elphie's Neurology Bills

Friends, Family, Animal Lovers, Strangers, Wicked on Broadway Fans -

I am starting this gofundme on behalf of my best friend and roommates, Colleen Stroh and her 3 lb. 6 oz. kitty, Elpheba (Elphie for short).

At 4 months old, Elphie was diagnosed with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH). CH is a developmental condition in which the cerebellum of the brain fails to develop properly. The cerebellum is the portion of the brain that controls fine motor skills, balance, and coordination. The most typical symptoms are jerky or uncoordinated walking, swaying from side to side when trying to walk, mild tremors, and/or intention tremors. Cats with cerebellar hypoplasia are not in any pain and will learn to adapt to their disability over time.

Colleen has made SO many accommodations to make life just a bit easier for Elphie including: a new bed that's lower to the ground because Elphie can't jump up on things, steps near her favorite window, and even BUILT an enclosure that holds Elphie up so she can eat without falling over.

In February, we started to notice that Elphie was regressing. Note: Cats with CH adapt to their condition and it should never "get worse". Elphie wasn't playing with her toys anymore, she wasn't using the litter box like she used to, and she was starting to get more and more weak on her feet. Last weekend, she appeared so weak, that all she wanted to do was sleep in her bed.

After A LOT of googling, email exchanges with the Vet, and observations, Elphie was referred to a Neurologist for Cats. The neurologist fell in LOVE with Elphie right away, (of course, how could you not love a 3 lb. 6. oz snuggle kitty named Elphie!?) Ok, back to the point. The neurologist recommended an MRI and bloodwork. No doubt, Colleen said yes, let's move forward with the MRI.

Elphie struggled waking up from the anesthesia after her MRI , her breathing was extremely weak BUT, Elphie being the strongest 3 lb. kitty ever, pushed through and they got her oxygen levels back to normal. The MRI came back totally normal (this was SHOCKING) - What could be going on with this poor babe!?!?

The Neurologist believes that Elphie's body is extremely malnourished and isn't holding on to the nutrients that her body needs from her food. They pumped her with fluids and all the vitamins for 2 days and nights.

Wednesday, Elph finally got to come home! In the midst of ALL the welcome home snuggles, we noticed something about her was still off. She couldn't get settled and seemed very uncomfortable. She threw up 2 times over the next 12 hours. Of course, the neurologist asked Colleen to bring her back.

They decided to keep Elphie over night on Thursday for observations and more fluids. Colleen received a phone call last night at 10:00pm from the Vet. They were asking permission to do a chest X-ray on Elphie and start antibiotics because she was showing signs on pneumonia. The Vet said that she likely got the pneumonia from the breathing issues she experienced when she was waking up from the anesthesia a few days earlier.

Elphie is still at the kitty neurologist receiving the best care in the world.

As you can imagine, an MRI, anesthesia, bloodwork, round the clock care, antibiotics, x-rays, and MUCH more has already added up ... and continues to climb.

Please consider donating to this gofundme on behalf of my best friend, Colleen, who would move mountains for everyone and anyone - so she can find an ounce of relief during this extremely stressful time.

We know in our hearts that Elphie will keep fighting and WILL defy gravity! (if you know, you know)

THANK YOU!